Itsuko is a Japanese given name for females. The name is composed of two kanji characters: "itsu" (一) which means "one", and "ko" (子) which means "child". Therefore, Itsuko's meaning can be interpreted as "one child".
The use of the character "itsu" in names is quite rare, making Itsuko a distinctive and unique name. It is often used to express wishes for a single, healthy child, particularly in families with a history of difficult pregnancies or births.
The earliest recorded instance of the name Itsuko dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan. However, its usage became more common during the Meiji era (1868-1912), following Japan's opening up to Western influences and the subsequent modernization of Japanese society.
Today, Itsuko remains a relatively uncommon name in Japan, but it can still be found among older generations or in families with a strong appreciation for traditional Japanese culture. The name has also gained some international recognition due to its uniqueness and cultural significance. Despite its rarity, Itsuko continues to be chosen by parents who wish to bestow their daughters with a meaningful and distinctive name rooted in Japanese history and tradition.
The name Itsuko has been given to a total of 50 babies in the United States over several years, according to available statistics. The highest number of births occurred in 1916 and again in 1931, with seven babies being named Itsuko each year. The lowest number of births recorded was five, which happened four times across different years: in 1925, 1928, 1930, and 1932.
While the popularity of this name has not been widespread enough to be included in more recent statistics, it is still significant that over half a century ago, Itsuko was chosen as a name for several newborn girls in the United States. This data provides insight into naming trends during those specific years and showcases how certain names can hold unique historical significance within families or communities.
As with any statistical information, these figures represent only a fraction of the overall population and may not be indicative of current naming preferences. However, they do offer an intriguing glimpse into past choices made by parents in regard to their daughters' given names.